Painting the edges and trim of a room can be tedious and time consuming without the right tools. A high-quality paint edger makes trim and edge painting much easier, helping DIYers achieve professional-looking results. With the best edgers, you’ll get clean, crisp paint lines along baseboards, window frames, doorframes, and any other edges in a room.
We’ve researched the top paint edgers on the market to recommend the models that will give flawless results on any DIY painting project. These edgers are easy to control, versatile to use on different surface types, and durable for long-lasting performance. Read on for our picks for the best paint edgers for DIYers.
What to Look for in the Best Paint Edgers
When shopping for a great paint edger tool, there are a few key features to keep in mind:
Adjustable Guide
The edger’s adjustable guide lets you control how close or far the paint applicator is from the edge. Having the option to fine-tune the guide is crucial for achieving a straight, crisp paint line along any edge or tight corners.
Comfortable Handle
Since edging requires precision and control, you want an edger with an ergonomic handle that feels comfortable and secure in your hand. Soft, non-slip grips prevent hand fatigue.
Versatile Paint Pad
Look for an edger with paint rollers or pads that can be used on different surface types. Interchangeable pads let you choose the option best suited for the texture of the surface you’re painting.
Easy to Clean
Edgers with removable or washable pads make cleanup fast and simple when you’re done painting. Edgers that are easy to clean will be ready to go again on your next project.
Sturdy and Durable Design
A quality paint edger is precisely engineered for accuracy and constructed of durable materials. This ensures the edger will hold up to repeated use without breaking or wearing down.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can select the ideal edger for DIY projects that will deliver professional-looking results. The following are our top picks for the best edgers for crisp, flawless trim and edge painting.
The 6 Best Paint Edgers for DIY Projects
1. Shur-Line Original Edger
The Shur-Line is a top-rated edger trusted by DIYers for quality results. With over 65 years of proven performance, it’s earned a reputation as the leading edger for professionals and homeowners.
This edger has several stand-out features that make edging easy:
- Interchangeable paint pads for use on any surface
- Adjustable edge guide provides versatility
- Contoured handle with soft grip stays comfortable in hand
- Lightweight aluminum frame with steel parts for durability
- Easy pad removal and cleanup
The Shur-Line edger’s superior engineering gives you excellent control. You can deliver sharp paint lines along baseboards, window frames, and door trim for a flawless finish. This edger is the go-to choice of experts for achieving neat, professional edging results.
2. Wagner Flexio Paint Edger
Wagner is a leader in paint sprayers and also makes one of the best edgers for DIYers. The Flexio paint edger has innovative features to make edging projects easy.
What makes it stand out:
- iSpray nozzle gives smooth paint flow
- Three detail attachments for small areas
- Adjustable edge guide with lock
- Swivel nozzle rotates 45° for accessibility
- Lockable flex hose for maneuverability
- Large metal trigger for comfortable grip
The Flexio edger can apply latex and oil-based paints, primer, sealers, and stains. You’ll get great results whether edging interior rooms or outside trim. It’s suitable for all skill levels.
3. Hyde Tools Edger Pro
Hyde Tools are favored by professionals, and the Hyde Edger Pro provides top performance. Exceptional engineering gives you accuracy and precision for impeccable edging.
Notable features:
- Dual-pad design adjusts for comfort
- Locking swivel paint head for stability
- Auxiliary handle improves control
- Hardened steel construction for durability
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning
- Works on oil and latex paints
The padded grip and supportive handle reduce hand fatigue. With the Hyde Edger Pro, you’ll have the control and stability needed for the cleanest paint lines along trims and edges.
4. Purdy Ready Edger
Purdy makes professional quality edgers and paint tools. The Ready Edger is designed to deliver accurate results with little effort.
What makes this edger ideal:
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Swivel head gets into tight spaces
- Interchangeable paint pads
- Comfortable grip and padded wrist rest
- Easy click adjustment on edge guide
- Holds up to one quart of paint
The Ready Edger’s smart features give you amazing control so you can cut super straight edges. It’s comfortable to maneuver and simplifies edging jobs for speedy professional results.
5. HomeRight PaintStick EZ-Twist Edger
The PaintStick EZ-Twist edger by HomeRight is engineered to make edging projects fast and hassle-free. Innovative twists create a tool that’s comfortable and easy to use.
Notable features include:
- Twist collar adjusts edger angle
- Contoured handle with wrist brace
- Foam edging pad applies smooth coats
- Lightweight stick design easy to control
- Locking mechanism keeps head stable
- Built-in paint strainer and cleanable tray
The clever handle design reduces hand strain for greater comfort. The HomeRight edger allows you to deliver sharp, precise paint lines to trim and edges with minimal effort.
6. Wooster Brush Q3211-2 Short Cut Edger
Wooster Brush Company is a name that professionals trust for top-notch paint tools. The Short Cut Edger is engineered with precision to make edging around trim easy and fast.
Key advantages:
- Metal brace with anti-flex strength
- Cushioned back pad for comfort
- Angled paint head reaches tight spots
- Durable heat-treated chrome frame
- Soft overmolded TPR handle
- Removable paint pad for easy cleaning
The Short Cut Edger gives you total control over paint application so you can achieve super straight edges and fine detailing. The quality engineering ensures this edger will provide reliable performance and lasting durability.
Choosing the Right Paint Edger Size
When selecting a paint edger, you’ll notice they come in different sizes. Choosing the appropriate edger size for your needs will ensure the best edging experience. Here’s what to consider:
- Small edgers – 8 to 9 inches long are best for edging in tight spaces with good close-up control. Great for cutting around window and door frames.
- Medium edgers – 10 to 11 inches long provide slightly more reach while still being lightweight and easy to maneuver. A versatile go-to size.
- Large edgers – 12 inches and up have an extended reach which is useful for quickly edging large expanses of baseboard. The larger size can feel bulky for detail areas.
Consider the scale of your edging project and the level of detail work needed. In most cases, a medium 10 to 11 inch edger will be the most useful size for tackling both big open areas and detail trim work.
Edger Attachments and Accessories
Some additional attachments and accessories can further optimize your edger for certain applications:
- Paint pads – Having extra edger paint pads on hand lets you quickly swap out to a new pad and keep painting. Different style pads can be useful for various surfaces.
- Corner attachments – Help to cleanly paint into tight 90-degree corners where the edger’s paint pad can’t easily reach.
- Detail attachments – Like mini paint brushes that affix to the edger allowing you to precisely paint details and edges the edger itself can’t access.
- Extension pole – Lets you attach the edger to a pole for extended reach edging on high walls and ceilings beyond arm’s length. Very useful accessory.
Consider if any attachments would be helpful to better equip your edger for the specifics of your DIY paint job. Optional accessories provide added convenience and versatility.
Edger Technique Tips for Flawless Results
Using proper technique is key to getting clean, professional results when edging with your paint tool. Follow these tips:
- Hold the edger at a slight inward angle so the guide rests snug to the edge. This prevents paint bleeding under the guide.
- Keep a light touch – don’t press too firmly. Let the edger glide lightly along the edge.
- Use smooth, steady strokes without stopping mid-edge. Stopping causes blobs and uneven lines.
- When finishing an edge, feather the end of the line to blend it out smoothly.
- Periodically wipe excess paint off the pad to prevent drips and uneven paint buildup.
- Use a small trim brush to tidy corners and details the edger can’t reach.
- Apply painter’s tape along carpet or floor edges to catch stray drips for crisp lines.
With some practice using these edging techniques, you’ll be able to achieve clean, professional paint lines on all your DIY home projects.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paint Edgers
How do you use a paint edger?
To use a paint edger, dip the edger pad in paint then position the tool at a slight inward angle next to the edge you want to paint. Adjust the guide so it rests snugly against the edge without pushing too hard. Then apply light, smooth strokes, without stopping, to apply paint right up to the edge.
What kind of paint do you use with an edger?
Edgers are designed to work with all standard paint finishes – latex acrylics, alkyds, and oil-based paints. You can use interior wall paints, trim enamels, or exterior house paints successfully with quality edgers.
How do you make a straight line with a paint edger?
Using smooth, continuous strokes is key to achieving straight edger lines. Don’t stop mid-edge or go back and forth over painted areas. Keeping the edger guide snug to the trim prevents paint from bleeding under. A steady hand and practice help perfect straight edging.
How do you clean a paint edger?
To clean an edger after painting, remove the paint pad and wash it in warm soapy water. Wipe the edger tool clean with a damp cloth. For dried paint, use a paint scraper, then mineral spirits or paint thinner on a rag. Allow all parts to fully dry before storing.
When would you use painter’s tape with an edger?
Apply painter’s tape along the floor edge or where two different wall colors meet. This catches drips and creates a super straight dividing line. Remove the tape immediately after edging before the paint dries. The tape gives you an extra-crisp painted edge.
Get Professional DIY Results with the Best Paint Edgers
A quality paint edger makes it easier than ever for DIYers to achieve expert-level results edging and trim painting. With the right edger tool and technique, you can create impeccably crisp, straight paint lines for a flawless professional finish.
We highly recommend the Shur-Line Original Edger as the top option based on its outstanding performance, versatility, and durability. Or choose from any of our other top picks for the best edgers engineered specifically to deliver perfect results.
Whichever edger you choose, proper preparation is also key – make sure to clean, sand, and prep the edging surfaces before painting. Use painters tape to mask off edges. Then put your edger to work and transform ordinary DIY paint jobs into professional masterpieces.